Verge restoration

The HLS scheme is working to protect the New Forest’s habitats and grazing from the damaging impacts of unauthorised driving and parking along road verges.

Densome Corner before and after dragon’s teeth installation

Why are we doing it?

The works will restore areas of erosion caused by vehicle damage, essential under the Forestry Commission’s legal duty to protect the New Forest. Vehicle damage can cause serious damage to grass verges and have a harmful impact on their landscape, ecological and grazing value.

Kings Copse and Gatewood – both areas have now been ditched and banked with bank at roadside, restoring approximately two square kilometres of roadside verge.

Emery Down road at Holidays Hill inclosure and up towards Bolderwood – dragon’s teeth installed to close informal parking areas

Denny campsite – barrier and signage installed to prevent unauthorised vehicle access. Access through the barrier is for campsite and residential access only. Limited parking is available around the Warden’s Office from October to March – see map here.

Boundway – work will start either side of the car park on 5 November to prevent verge parking

East Boldre, Pilley, Norley & East End – discussing planned works with parish council and partners

Burley village, Stoney Cross and Fritham – identified as needing work

What can parishes do?

Look at verges within their parish boundaries that are suffering from overrun. These could be narrow strips outside houses or wider verges in villages, they must be within the perambulation and grazed to be considered. Parishes are requested to mark up a map where they have identified damaged verges and send it to: